Introducing Writing Across the Curriculum into China Feasibility and Adaptation

Dr. Wu Dan’s Introducing Writing Across the Curriculum into China is an important and provocative research study that is broadly international in scope. Of particular significance for education in China, this book provides a historical analysis of writing instruction in China and an original application of activity theory used to analyze problems and possibilities for Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) in higher education. Through an examination of important aspects of WAC as it has developed in the United States, Dr. Wu Dan brings together various perspectives in support of developing and sustaining WAC programs in China and by analogy throughout the world. Her work opens new avenues for research in writing and for the teaching of courses throughout the curriculum using a writing-in-the-disciplines approach. A major contribution to international WAC scholarship, Introducing Writing Across the Curriculum into China will be invaluable to English faculty and to all readers interested in educational innovations in China.

I. INTRODUCTION.-Research Problem, Questions, and Significance.-Methods.-Organization of the Study.-II. A REVIEW OF WAC .-WAC Evolution.-CAC Evolution.-Activity Theory and WAC Research.-The International Dissemination of WAC.-III. CHINESE HIGHER EDUCATION.-The Chinese Higher Education System.-Reforms and Current Issues.-Chinese Political Culture and Its Impacts on Higher Education.-Opportunities and Challenges for Introducing WAC.-IV. METHODS.-Participants.-Materials.-Interview Questions.-Table of Contents (Continued).-Administration.-V. CHINA INTERVIEWS QUALITATIVE RESULTS.-A Thematic Analysis of Chinese Interviews Results.-Chinese Interview Results Reflected in Activity Systems.-VI. US WAC INTERVIEWS QUALITATIVE RESULTS.-US WAC Interviews Results.-A Comparison/Contrast of the Results from the US and China Interviews.-VII. CONCLUSION.-Critical Findings.-Theoretical Implications.-Empirical Implications.-Limitations.-Directions for Future Research.-Conclusion.-APPENDICES.-A:      Chinese Interview Questions.-B: US WAC Interview Questions.-REFERENCES.